3969. MUSTARD, BACON and CARAMELISED ONION SCONES

Makes 12


2 rashers streaky bacon, rind removed

450g/1lb self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting

generous pinch salt

pinch baking powder

1 tsp English mustard powder

110g/4¼oz unsalted butter, diced

1 free-range egg, lightly beaten

50ml/2fl oz double cream

2 tbsp ready-made onion marmalade, plus extra to serve

200ml/7fl oz full-fat milk

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Preheat the grill to a medium-high setting. When the grill is hot, grill the bacon for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crisp and golden-brown. Set aside on a plate lined with kitchen paper. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small pieces. Set aside until needed.

Sift the flour, salt and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the mustard powder.

Add the diced butter to the bowl, then rub the butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Make a well in the centre of the dry mixture and add the beaten egg and cream, gradually drawing the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a wooden spoon.

Stir in the onion marmalade and reserved bacon pieces, then gradually stir in enough milk to make the mixture come together as a soft dough. (The mixture should not be sticky.)

Dust a clean work surface with a little flour. Turn the dough out onto the work surface and roll it out to a thickness of 2.5cm/1in. Stamp out twelve 5cm/2in rounds from the dough using a cookie cutter, placing them onto a non-stick baking sheet as you go.

Bake the scones in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until risen and golden-brown. Set aside to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.

bacon recipe source: Ainsley Harriott, Great British Food Revival, BBC Food